Marine turned contender Paul Bamba has sights set on Jake Paul after WBA title fight
At the lowest point in his career, Paul Bamba looked to another New Yorker’s historic run for inspiration.
Bamba studied how “Iron” Mike Tyson used a 13-fight campaign in 1986 to fine tune his ferocity en route to the heavyweight championship, and decided to replicate that same pace to fulfill his own championship dreams. Now, after scoring 13 straight knockouts in 2024, Bamba seeks to end the year like Tyson did in 1986: with a world championship belt around his waist.
Bamba will face former world title challenger Rogelio “Porky” Medina on Saturday, Dec. 21 at the Performing Arts Center in Carteret, N.J. for the vacant World Boxing Association Gold World Cruiserweight championship. The fight will headline a boxing event promoted by R&B Promotions.
Bamba (18-3, 17 knockouts) of New York City knows the danger that his more experienced opponent brings to the ring. Medina, who has a record of 42-10 (36 KOs) has fought some of the best boxers in the world, including Caleb Plant, James DeGale and David Benavidez in his 17-year pro career. Now Bamba is looking to make a statement in his biggest showcase to date.
“I’m very happy that WBA President Gilberto Mendoza has realized the work that I’ve put in this year. I’m on a 13-fight knockout streak. I have full understanding that Porky Medina is a very dangerous opponent, he’s been in there with the best but it’s my time now. I’m the bigger guy so I’m going to use my speed and power to shock the world,” said Bamba, a native of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
Bamba, who has built up a social media following thanks to his exposure while fighting on Misfits Boxing cards, has his sights set on a showdown with Jake Paul, should the two get past their very dangerous assignments. Paul is scheduled to face the aforementioned Mike Tyson this Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. in what is expected to be a major ratings hit for the streaming service Netflix. Should Paul be interested in chasing his world championship dreams, Bamba would be a welcome test for “The Problem Child.”
“I would love to fight Jake Paul. Jake seems to take things more seriously and he has said that he wants a shot at the world title. I think it would be great for us, he turned pro about a year before me, he has a bit more boxing experience than I have. I feel if he’s trying to take boxing more seriously, I would be his next step. This way he could prove something by not fighting someone who is older, has a lot of wear and tear on their body, and doesn’t come from an MMA background,” said Bamba.
Bamba had previously been scheduled to fight Paul’s lone conqueror, Tommy Fury, in November of 2022, but their showdown in Dubai was canceled after Fury blew the contractually agreed upon 175-pound limit by over eight pounds. The promoter, Global Titans Fight Series, then canceled Bamba’s hotel room and flight, forcing him to pay out of his own pocket to return home. Still, Bamba says he wouldn’t hesitate to settle their unfinished business in the ring.
The 35-year-old Bamba may have come to the sport at a later stage but he knows all about combat. Bamba served in the Marine Corps for two years, including a tour of duty in Iraq with the 1st Battalion, 4th Marines as an infantry machine gunner. After his tour of duty ended, Bamba fell on hard times in New York City due to post traumatic stress disorder. He ended up homeless and would sleep on the 6 Train.
Boxing became his saving grace. He found his way to the legendary Morris Park Boxing Club in The Bronx, where he’d earn $10 a round to spar the local amateur boxers. He did well enough to catch the eyes of former WBA welterweight champion Aaron “Superman” Davis and trainer Bobby Miles who taught him the proper way to box. Now he not only has he become a successful professional fighter, but he also has trained a number of celebrities.
“Boxing literally saved my life. Whether I fight or whether I can teach people this sport, boxing I truly feel as though it’s my calling,” said Bamba, who is now trained by star trainer Malik Scott and promoted by Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna of Rising Star Promotions.
One of those celebrities he trains is his manager, Shaffer Smith, better known to the world as R&B singer Ne-Yo. The three-time Grammy Award winner has been instrumental to guiding Bamba’s career, giving him the push he has needed to get to his first world title opportunity.
“I’ve never met someone more positive in my life. His work ethic is unlike anyone I’ve met, he just finds a way to get everything done. He’s positive about everything and finds the good in everything. Although he’s new to boxing, just having someone who has your back like that is the best thing in the world,” said Bamba.